Saturday, September 5, 2009

What You Should Know Before Making the Switch to Home Solar Electricity

In the past 10 years, switching to home solar electricity has become more and more popular and affordable. However, it can still be out of reach for the average home owner who is cash strapped, especially in this tough economic environment. What's a would-be energy conservationist on a budget supposed to do?

Currently, the federal government is offering upwards of $4,000, and ever more, in tax credits in an effort to promote renewable energy use in the home through the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (I'm no tax specialist so make sure to consult someone who is before applying for this credit). If this isn't enough of an incentive to get you to make the switch to home solar electricity, than I don't know what is.

You'd love to take advantage of this great tax credit deal, right? Who wouldn't? Not only that, but perhaps your reasons for switching to solar power are nobler, and you're just looking to help out the environment. Whatever your reasons, and as much as you want to make the switch, you just don't have the money to install a home solar electricity system in the first place.

Since most quality solar panel systems can run in the thousands of dollars, it's understandable that they would be out of reach for the average homeowner. What if there was a way to be able to build your own home solar electricity system for a fraction of the cost, and it would be modular so you could scale it up to suit your needs, would you be interested?

You actually CAN build your own set of home solar panels for around $200 apiece, and you can do it with parts you can get at your local home improvement store. You can even build as many of these units as you need to eliminate your electric bill for good.

Do you only want enough solar electricity to run everyday appliances like your TV, VCR, DVD player, computer, coffee maker, etc., or do you want enough solar panels to power your entire home? The choice is yours, and you can build as many as you want, until you're completely off the grid.

Something else to consider before building your solar panels are the three types of systems...

The first type is a grid-tied system. In this one, your solar panels are tied into your current power meter. This means that you will use electricity both from your solar panels as well as from electric company. This is a great option to start with if you're not ready to go completely off the grid, or if you're on a tight budget.

The second type is a grid-tied system with battery backup. Just as the name implies, it's similar to the first in that your solar panels are tied to the grid, but you also store energy in the batteries for emergencies. The excess is still sent back to the electric companies through your meter.

The final type is a stand-alone system. This one also incorporates a battery backup for energy storage. The difference between this one and the previous two is that you are completely cut off from the electric companies. With this one, you are truly living off the grid, and saving tons of money doing so.

You have the choice of what type of system you can build. You don't even have to stick to one. As you become more and more comfortable building your own solar panels, you can get to the point where your home solar electricity system is completely stand-alone, and for a lot less then it would cost if you bought a commercial solar panel system.

Once you educate yourself on providing your home with solar electricity, you are probably ready to start. You can do it with the right system that allows you to save thousands of dollars by building your own solar panels. And, don't forget the great example you'll be setting for your family and friends, and the pride you'll feel, as you reduce you carbon footprint.

Don't buy commercial solar panels that can cost you thousands of dollars. Instead, build your own, modular home solar electricity system at a fraction of the cost. Build as many solar panels as you want. Live completely off the grid if you want. The choice is yours.

For more information, visit: => http://renewableenergyathome.info/

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